Kiss that says: You’re so oarsome, James!
Smooching in the sunshine, rowing legend Cracknell and his new love
IT’S the kiss that says Olympic rower James Cracknell has found love again.
More than a year after splitting from television presenter Beverley Turner, his wife of 17 years, the gold medal hero smooches with American financier Jordan Connell, whom he met while studying philosophy at Cambridge University.
The f o r mer student cheerleader tenderly leant towards father- of- three Cracknell for their embrace during a romantic stroll in the sunshine in London yesterday, the first time they had been seen together as a couple in public.
The happy pair could barely stop smiling as they walked hand in hand through Battersea Park, close to the West London home where Cracknell, 47, moved to when his marriage came to an end.
At one point, they paused to sit on a park bench where they kissed and laughed together.
Dressed in a pretty floral midi dress, Miss Connell was seen giggling as she and Cracknell gazed into one another’s eyes.
The American, who is in her early 30s, spent 12 months studying for an MBA at the prestigious university before returning to her native city of New York. She is now understood to split her time between London and the US.
The pair, who were both studying as mature students, were i ntroduced through friends at Cambridge and remained in contact once their degrees had finished.
One friend told The Mail on Sunday: ‘They both had a very busy year at Cambridge and have a lot going on in their individual lives right now but they make one another very happy. It’s clear to anyone who spends time with them that they are good for each other.’ Miss Connell, who is expected to cheer on Cracknell when he appears on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing next month, is regarded as a high- flying career woman and works in the New York finance industry. Only last month, Cracknell and Beverley, 45, were granted a divorce after she petitioned for it on the grounds of unreasonable behaviour, which he did not oppose.
In April, after they announced their marriage was over, Beverley openly criticised her ex-husband for studying at Cambridge, and his decision to take part in this year’s Boat Race.
The pair, however, have ensured their split has remained amicable for the sake of their three children, Croyde, 15, Kiki, ten, and eight- year- old Trixie. Beverley has even been supportive of Cracknell’s forthcoming appearance on Strictly, despite banning him in the past. However, she has poked fun at his dancing abilities, saying yesterday: ‘Prepare to see James completely up the creek without a paddle.’
Beverley added: ‘This week, the kids and I all watched a rehearsal video over James’s shoulder at the kitchen table in absolute silence. Kiki took a deep breath and patted him on the shoulder. “Well at least you can get better Daddy...” ’